What we like:

Looks different from rival models

funky and happy character

spacious interior

high driving position

easy to get in and out of

What we dislike:

Awful ride

relatively unaffordable for most of its target audience

gruff engine

Like other lifestyle oriented hatchback models out there, the Soul can be customized with bits like themed graphics that includes themes like Wild, Tribal, Chill and the one on the car here, Classic. Other cost options fitted on the car we drove include the $2,000 18-inch ‘Burner' alloy wheels, $100 alloy sports pedal, $150 metallic fuel cap and the $1,000 leather upholstery. We'd advise you to stay away from the latter two options though as the fuel cap looks rather daft and why have leather seats when the fabric ones look so funky and even has Soul logos that can glow in the dark?

The Soul is similar in concept to the Suzuki SX4 but it is certainly different in execution. It offers a happier and funkier character than similarly priced cars out there. The Kia Soul is certainly soulful in its character and design but the same can't be described of its driving characteristics though. It's $76,999 price tag though, poses an even bigger problem, especially when you consider that the car is aimed at young people who are probably looking at getting their first set of wheels.

Credits: Story and Photos by Raymond Lai